The Passive Surveillance Vector
iOS runs a secondary layer of Face ID technology known as “Attention Awareness Features.” Beyond simply unlocking the device, the TrueDepth camera system passively monitors whether you are physically looking at the screen during everyday use. By default, the operating system exploits this data to silently alter multiple system behaviours: it dims the display when you look away, it lowers the volume of incoming ringtones and alarms when it detects you are staring at the phone, and it keeps notification previews expanded while you are reading them. While designed for a seamless experience, it represents a continuous, low-level facial surveillance engine that is always active. You must permanently paralyse this passive monitoring protocol.
How to Disable Attention Awareness Features
You can permanently sever the background facial analysis daemon via the Face ID settings.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your device passcode to authenticate.
- Locate the toggle switch labelled Attention Awareness Features.
- Toggle this switch to the Off position (the green background will disappear).
Total Passive Surveillance Shutdown
The change takes effect instantly. The iPhone will completely terminate the background daemon responsible for continuously polling the TrueDepth camera to determine where your eyes are directed. The operating system will immediately revert to its standard, non-adaptive behaviour: the display will dim based solely on inactivity timers, alarms will play at full volume regardless of your gaze, and notification previews will follow your static preview settings. This guarantees absolute freedom from passive facial analysis during everyday use.